Rumors, News---Anything Sens!

Bryan Murray and Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson are closing in on another trade right before Draft Day on Friday. Multiple sources tell me that Murray has a deal in principle to send goaltender Alexander Auld to the Jackets for defenseman Kris Russell.

To start off with, sorry to any fans who thought this was another Heatley post. It looks like Auld has stolen his thunder. But back to the trade, Murray has been interested in Russell for a very, very long time and almost acquired him in the Vermette for LeClaire trade, however, he would face cap problems. Now that it seems as if Brendan Bell will not be re-signed, Jason Smith set to reitre, and one of Christoph Schubert or Alexandre Picard to be traded, there is room for the budding, young defenseman.

The Blue Jackets do not have a backup to Steve Mason since Frederik Norrena and Wade Dubielewicz are set to become Unrestricted Free Agents. Auld fills that role perfectly and is very cheap at 1 mil per year. It also gives Howson some flexibility since this is the last year on Auld's contract and helps burn the log-jam the Jackets have on defense.

For anyone who isn't familiar with Russel, he is a very fluid, puck moving defenseman and responsible defensively. He is projected to be a Top 4 Pairing defenseman and is cheap as well. I think Murray wants to get rid of any goalie controversary and establish a LeClaire-Elliott tandem before training camp.

4 Comments:

Wow, but must be more to this deal than the two players mentioned. Maybe a switch of first rounders as well (Sens get 16th and trade 9th) which would be fine with me. 16th gives them in the range of some power forwards.

That would be an incredible coup for BM, but as terry k says, there would have to be additional assets (picks or defensive prospects likely) going back to Columbus.

Yet I find that this deal will probably not come to pass. Why would Columbus deal a budding top 4 offensive defensman who can skate like Russel can? Especially for a back up goaltender; they can easily sign one as a free agent without giving up anything, so why wouldn't they just do that? I mean, Auld is a good solid backup, he's got a cap hit of 1 mil. Ty Conklin is available for less. Or they could bring back either one of their UFA backup goaltenders.

If it happens, BM is a swindler and Scott Howeson will have been swindled big time.

@albanada, For this deal to go through, the Sens would have to give up a whole lot more than Auld and the #9 pick. Howson won't trade Russell unless it's a stellar deal. Yor sources are way off the mark on this one.

Ottawa Senators Projected Lineup

The Latest Buzz on the Sens

Dany Heatley- It's down to the Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, and San Jose Sharks. Expect the Wild to take their offer up a notch

Chris Kelly- The Detroit Red Wings want him but Bryan Murray wants to see the market for Kelly first, than decide on his future. The Florida Panthers have also expressed interest for him. If Heatley stays, Kelly is gone

Alexandre Picard- The Washington Capitals have inquired about Picard, who would look good next to Mike Green.

Jason Smith- The Oilers will take him IF he's packaged with Heatley. He can prove to be a great warrior and leader in the locker room.